Italian Classes in Berkeley and Online
Explore small-group Italian classes for adults in downtown Berkeley and live online. Start with Complete Beginner if you are new to Italian, continue with Low Beginner, or choose reading and advanced conversation when you are ready. The listings below show each class’s format, schedule, dates, instructor, and tuition.
The people behind the classes
Meet your Italian instructors
The current class listings identify their assigned instructors. Get to know both teachers and their approaches below.
Francesca
Berkeley & online
Raised in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Francesca holds a Master’s degree with honors in Modern Languages and Literature from the University of Trieste and teaches Italian to adults in the Bay Area.
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Francesca was born and raised in Friuli Venezia Giulia, near Italy’s borders with Slovenia and Austria. She earned a master’s degree with honors in Modern Languages and Literature from the University of Trieste and taught German in Italy before moving to California in 2011.
In the Bay Area, she began teaching Italian to adults at Stanford’s Bechtel International Center and went on to teach children and adults at several schools. She has continued her professional development through language teaching courses, including a masterclass at Università Ca’ Foscari in Venice on teaching Italian as a foreign or second language. Her lessons connect language with culture and actively involve learners so they stay motivated.
Cinzia
Online conversation
Born in Turin and raised in Siena, Cinzia has taught Italian to visiting students in Italy and gives Italian lessons in the Bay Area. She leads the current advanced conversation group.
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Cinzia grew up in Turin and Siena and began teaching Italian to visiting European university students while studying law at the University of Siena. An Erasmus term in Barcelona strengthened her interest in languages and intercultural learning. She later worked with international visitors at a Tuscan winery, translating documents and leading tours.
After moving to the Bay Area in 2012, Cinzia continued giving private Italian lessons. She believes students remember language best when explanations are simple and clear, and when the teacher keeps them motivated and involved.
The Italian programme
What will I do in an Italian class?
These live adult classes give you regular speaking practice in a small group. Beginner lessons build pronunciation, useful phrases, listening, reading, and grammar together, with time to ask questions and receive feedback.
Meet in downtown Berkeley or join an online group. Reading and advanced conversation classes have their own focus and may run for a different number of weeks, so check the dates and tuition in each listing.
Find your Italian starting point
Brand new to Italian
Complete Beginner starts with pronunciation, greetings, introductions, and everyday expressions. No prior study is required.
Have some foundations
Low Beginner helps you turn basic phrases into more confident conversation and a stronger grasp of common grammar.
Ready for deeper practice
Reading in Italian and Advanced Conversation are for learners who can work with longer texts or discuss a wider range of topics. Check the individual course description.
Not sure where to begin? Compare our levels or ask for placement advice before registering. Availability varies by term.
Why learn Italian?
Italian can bring you closer to family, travel, film, music, literature, art, and regional food traditions. Being able to ask a question or follow a conversation changes how you experience Italy and Italian-speaking communities. Regular practice with a teacher and classmates helps make those connections usable.
Questions before you register
Can I join without knowing Italian?
Yes. The Complete Beginner group is designed for students starting from zero. If you studied before, ask us about placement.
Where are the Berkeley classes held?
In-person classes meet at Polyglottist Language Academy, 2161 Shattuck Ave, Suites 234–235, Berkeley. Online groups meet live; check the listing for its schedule.
Are reading and conversation courses beginner-friendly?
They are intended for learners with a stronger foundation. Read the course description and contact us if you are unsure whether a group fits your level.
How long does a term run?
Schedules vary: many beginner groups meet weekly for six one-hour lessons, while specialized offerings can run longer. The dates and tuition shown above are the source for each class.
Looking for a different Italian level or time?
Tell us what you have studied, whether you prefer Berkeley or online, and when you can meet. We can help you choose a suitable next step.